Cleaning product use affecting asthma more during COVID-19 measures

asthma
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Those with asthma are experiencing less asthma control related to an increase in using household disinfectants—known asthma triggers—because of COVID-19, according to a survey co-conducted by University of Illinois Chicago researchers.

"We became concerned with increased cleaning and disinfecting related to the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with people spending more time indoors may expose people with asthma to more environmental triggers for asthma symptoms," Eldeirawi said. "This prompted our interest in studying the impact of disinfectants and asthma control among those living with asthma."

Cleaning products are considered respiratory irritants that cause inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, Eldeirawi explained.

In the , conducted between May and September 2020, adults with asthma answered questions about handwashing and hand sanitizer use, household disinfectant use and frequency. They also were asked five questions about , use of rescue medications, effect of asthma on daily functioning, and over the past four weeks with responses on a 1-5 scale to determine participants' asthma control score, which ranges from 5 to 25. A score of 19 or less was considered an indication of uncontrolled asthma.

Of the 795 respondents, the percent who reported household disinfectant use five or more times per week increased 138% for disinfectant wipes, 121% for disinfectant sprays, 155% for bleach and water solution, and 89% for other liquids since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Researchers also observed significant associations of frequent disinfectant use since the pandemic with uncontrolled asthma. And, while the researchers did not collect data on increases in ' or ER visits for asthma, a large percentage of the respondents indicated having had an , Eldeirawi said.

The study indicates people with asthma could be negatively affected by increases in disinfectant use and should discuss with their health care providers safer alternatives for cleaning, as well as managing symptoms. Cleaning product alternatives include vinegar, water and a drop of dish detergent, 70% alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide.

Eldeirawi said it is yet unknown what COVID-19's impact is on those with , but research is being conducted around the world. Eldeirawi and his research team will continue their research, this time asking survey respondents about their symptoms and mask use.

More information: Kamal Eldeirawi et al, Increased disinfectant use among adults with asthma in the era of COVID-19, The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice (2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.12.038

Citation: Cleaning product use affecting asthma more during COVID-19 measures (2021, February 11) retrieved 26 April 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-02-product-affecting-asthma-covid-.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Curbing COVID brought unexpected benefit for asthma patients

11 shares

Feedback to editors